Celebrating Oz Magic at Books of Wonder

The Lost Art of Oz founder, Brady Schwind was honored to be a part of an expert panel discussion celebrating all things Oz at New York City’s legendary children’s bookstore, Books of Wonder. 

Joined by Tori Calamito from The Oz Vlog and Tara Tagliafero and Emily Kay Shrader of Down the Yellow Brick Pod, the afternoon included live music, a meet and greet, and a robust conversation about the history of the Oz Books, their personal impact, and their enduring cultural legacy. 

The event also saluted Books of Wonder founder, Peter Glassman and his 40 year long commitment to the preservation of Oz. 

​First launched in 1980, Books of Wonder features a carefully curated selection of the finest books currently available for young readers as well as vintage, old, rare, and collectible editions for collectors and those looking for long lost treasures. 

Long recognized as the pre-eminent source for outstanding rare editions from the Oz Book series,  Books of Wonder began reprinting facsimile copies of the original series in the 1980s. 

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​In 1983, Contemporary Books offered Books of Wonder the opportunity to acquire the last original Oz artwork that remained in the Reilly and Lee archives.  That artwork became the subject of the Books of Wonder publication, The Art of Oz, which remains a definitive pricing guide.
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A highlight of the event was the sharing of an original pen and ink illustration depicting The Scarecrow and Tinman, drawn by John R. Neill for his book THE WONDER CITY OF OZ, first published in 1940.

Books of Wonder played a vital role in inspiring imagination for all three hosts of this event, and it was a pleasure to pay homage to the store's extraordinary role in sparking creativity for all ages.  Be sure to visit their Chelsea location whenever in New York City!

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